The Supreme Court received a clear assertion today that the Union Government holds exclusive authority to carry out a caste census, based on the provisions laid out in the Census Act of 1948. This assertion challenges the Bihar government's previous stance, where they had conducted caste census surveys within the state. The data collection for the Bihar caste census concluded on August 6, followed by data uploading by August 12, according to medai reports.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, was granted permission on August 21 to provide a response to the issue within seven days, citing potential consequences of the survey. Today marks the culmination of that timeframe.
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In an official affidavit, the Government expressed its unwavering commitment to taking affirmative actions for the progress of socially disadvantaged groups and other backward classes as stipulated by the Indian Constitution and relevant laws.
The ongoing debate stems from several petitions contesting the Patna High Court's decision to uphold the caste survey initiated by the Bihar Government.
During the August 21 hearing, the Supreme Court made it clear to the petitioners that they would not halt the ongoing survey unless a compelling case against it was established.
The Patna High Court had previously dismissed pleas opposing the Nitish Kumar government's caste-based survey. In a detailed 101-page verdict, the high court justified the state's actions, stating that the survey was valid, well-founded, and pursued with a legitimate aim of fostering development and justice.
